Goldsturm

Culture guide

Usage

Plants for border, pot and container plants, plants attract bees and butterflies

Sow time

January-June for flowering in pots from July onwards (limited flowering); June-August for flowering in pots the following year

Sowing method

2-3 seeds per plug

Germination

Moist chill seeds for 2-4 weeks at 40 ºF (5 ºC). Germinate at 85 ºF (30 ºC)

Growing on

Grow on at 50-65 ºF (15-18 ºC)

Media

Use a well-drained, growing perennial substrate with 0-15 % clay, 0-15 % parts (e.g. bark, wood fibres), 1-1,5 kg/m³ complete balanced fertilizer, 1-3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer (3-9 months), iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.5. Field: loamy sandy to sandy humus soils with good drainage and good nutrition levels. Standard fertilization: 80-100 g/m² of a slow release fertilizer.

Temperature

Grow at 10-18 °C or outdoors. In winter indoors frost free at 3-5 °C or outdoors. Outdoors fleece cover needed. For wintering the plants should have formed 8-10 leaves. In spring the plants start to grow for 12-14 weeks at 15-18 °C and long day.
Cold temperatures at 10-15 will increase the cultivation time. A chilling period (vernalization) for 10-12 weeks is recommended for flower initiation.

Fertilization

High fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen (at 3 kg/m³ slow release fertilizer in substrate), using a complete balanced fertilizer. Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Don’t fertilize after mid September. In spring fertilize 150-200 ppm nitrogen of a potassium balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-ratio: 1:1,5). Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency (above pH 6.0) apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. Field: If necessary according to analysis, improve the soil with 80-100 g/m² of a slow release fertilizer per year, applied in several portions. Take care of possible iron deficiency and apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times. N min soil value: approximately 150 g N/m².